Hi Jonno,
I am a new Farmer’s Weekly reader and need your opinion. I am about to build a three-bedroom double-storey house. I do not want my house to have a tin roof because it gets noisy when it rains. I am still keen on a flat but invisible roof so my only option is a slab one. Any ideas on better, economical roofing? The area where I intend to build is mostly misty, so I am not sure if a slab roof will be suitable.
Your expertise will be highly appreciated.
Fulufhelo
Hi Fulufhelo,
While having a flat roof to the house has a certain contemporary appeal, it also embodies some intricacies in both its construction and composite long-term performance. Aspects of a concrete roof slab such as thermal conductivity, expansion and contraction and its effect on the supporting walls below would all need to be taken into consideration.
Added to this is the necessity that all suspended concrete work must be designed and vetted by a structural engineer.
All certainly achievable, but for ease of construction, cost-effectiveness and upkeep, a pitched roof, with metal or tile covering, takes a lot of beating. In the sketch here, I’ve disguised the roof with a parapet wall surrounding a low-pitched metal roof within. And as for the noise of rain on the tin roof? There is only one other sound that is more pleasing to one’s ear than that, and that is your newly acquainted lady or boyfriend, whispering in your ear: “Your place or mine, babe?” I do have ways to dampen the rain-on-roof sound, though.
The layout of the house lends itself ideally to being stage-built.
Jonno
